EcoVadis data collection throughout the supply chain 

“Building sustainable supply chains depends on transparent, accurate data shared openly because collaboration and clear insights drive meaningful impact and continuous improvement.”  

This comprehensive blog article distils the most important lessons from our recent Nexio Projects webinar on data collection throughout the supply chain. Drawing on expert presentations, client case studies, and a focused Q&A session, the article addresses why accurate supply chain data is fundamental, how EcoVadis enables progress, and what both buyers and suppliers must do to maximise sustainable supply chain management. 

The critical role of data in building sustainable supply chains 

Data collection is at the heart of modern sustainability supply chain management. As sustainability priorities evolve and legislative frameworks tighten, companies are expected to provide accurate and timely information across their value chains. More than 70% of a typical organisation’s sustainability footprint is located within its supply chain (1), with scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions often accounting for up to 90% of the total (2). 

Supply chains also carry most of the reputational and compliance risks, including social issues such as labour practices, water withdrawals, and deforestation. In this landscape, proper ESG data collection is not only strategic — it is essential for risk management and for meeting expectations from regulators, customers, and investors. 

Why ESG supply chain data collection matters 

• Regulatory compliance: With ESG regulations increasing by 155% over the past decade, supply chain data is necessary for frameworks like CSRD, CSDDD, and CBAM (3). 
• Customer expectations: 76% of consumers are willing to stop buying from firms that mistreat workers or the environment (4). 
• Investor criteria: Nearly 80% of investors account for ESG management in their decisions (5). 
• Reputational risk: Proactive data management helps avoid crises and reputational damage. 

A central principle from the webinar is: “You can’t manage what you can’t measure—and you can’t measure what your suppliers won’t share.” Reliable sustainability supply chain data is the foundation for meaningful action. 

Where is the focus?

The primary focus areas in supply chain information are essential for enabling organisations to comprehensively assess and manage the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts across their entire value chain, driving accountability and supporting strategic sustainability objectives.

EcoVadis’ role in ESG data collection and request processes 

What is EcoVadis? 

EcoVadis is the world’s leading sustainability intelligence and scoring platform for global supply chains. With over 1,500 procurement organisations and 150,000 rated companies leveraging its global network, EcoVadis enables credible benchmarking, transparent EcoVadis ratings, and actionable improvement plans. 

EcoVadis assessment drives both competitive benchmarking and detailed performance reviews across four pillars: Environment, Labour & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. The EcoVadis Gold rating is recognised worldwide, demonstrating excellence in sustainable practices. 

Buyers use EcoVadis scorecards to select and manage suppliers, incentivise improvement, and report against frameworks. Suppliers use their scorecards to continuously improve, benchmark against peers, and communicate their ESG progress. 

How EcoVadis supports sustainability supply chain management 

EcoVadis helps buying organisations and suppliers through: 

• Flexible, scalable platform for rating, benchmarking, and improvement. 
• Globally aligned methodology (ISO, GRI, UNGC), ensuring comparability and regulatory alignment. 
• Actionable EcoVadis scorecards providing insights for clients and suppliers alike. 
• A global network that facilitates supplier engagement, learning and innovation, and sector initiatives. 

Our EcoVadis guide is a comprehensive overview of the whole assessment process, methodology and key processes. Download below and start exploring.

Guidelines and best practices 

Both buyers and suppliers face unique challenges in collecting, verifying, and communicating ESG data. The webinar outlined best practices for both sides, focusing on clarity, alignment, technology, and continuous improvement. 

Best practices for buying organisations 

1. Define clear ESG objectives and data needs: Clearly articulate what data is required and how often, aligning requests with best practices and regulatory frameworks like CSRD and EU taxonomy. 

2. Standardise data collection methods: Integrate digital tools and centralised platforms for consistency, traceability, and transparency. 

3. Engage and support suppliers: Provide guidelines, training, and highlight challenges through supplier engagement days. 

4. Verify and govern data: Conduct internal audits and assessments to ensure data accuracy for reporting and compliance. 

5. Foster ongoing collaboration and improvement: Share performance results and insights to drive supplier engagement and collective learning. 

Best practices for suppliers 

1. Align with customer requirements and frameworks: Understand and meet expectations using standardised formats and reporting schedules. 

2. Implement standardised data collection: Leverage digital solutions and streamlined frameworks to reduce manual effort. 

3. Establish internal governance: Assign clear roles and responsibilities for ESG data, verify accuracy, and create sustainable data flows. 

4. Proactively engage buyers: Collaborate to clarify requirements and communicate challenges or constraints. 

5. Build capacity and ensure verification readiness: Invest in training and resources to meet reporting and audit needs, focusing on continuous improvement. 

Want to dive in more tips & best practices as a supplier or buying organisation? Download our free factsheet!

Real-life use cases 

Case studies from industry leaders during the webinar demonstrated how collaborative supplier engagement drives both measurable impact and long-term sustainability. 

Unilever supplier climate programme 

Unilever launched an ambitious net-zero programme for its supply chain by 2039. The company’s approach centred on: 

• Creating a unified, centralised database for primary supplier data. 
• Training suppliers collaboratively using partners like Ecochain, PACT, and Nexio Projects. 
• Harmonising methodologies and supporting continuous engagement for improvement. 

This initiative resulted in reliable product carbon footprints and better supplier engagement, showing the value of an impartial partner like Nexio Projects to mediate between buyer and supplier for ongoing improvement. 

Read more about our carbon collaboration for Unilever in our blog article.

AstraZeneca and Minakem: Sustainable procurement collaboration 

AstraZeneca uses EcoVadis Ratings to assess and monitor supplier performance, integrating sustainability into core procurement decision-making. Key steps included: 

• Risk assessment and continuous performance monitoring. 
• Integrating data and requirements into contracts and procurement processes. 
• Collaborative corrective action plans structured via EcoVadis. 
• Training and rewarding suppliers, including Supplier Awards at annual conferences. 

Minakem, as an AstraZeneca supplier, created a sustainable procurement working group, set clear objectives, and raised its EcoVadis theme score by 20 points within two years. 

Source: EcoVadis

Q&A session: Top questions answered by EcoVadis experts 

Q: How can suppliers reduce duplicate data requests from buyers if they already have an EcoVadis Scorecard? 

A: Proactively share your EcoVadis Assessment with customers, and encourage buyers to use the platform data rather than issuing new questionnaires. Sometimes, internal silos mean different teams are unaware of available EcoVadis ratings—bring it to their attention and advocate for streamlined requests. 

Q: For US suppliers, EcoVadis requests often meet resistance. How can we increase uptake? 

A: Leverage company relationships and provide access to EcoVadis webinars and training resources. Nexio Projects and EcoVadis are continuing to expand their US network, adapting language and approach to meet local concerns. 

Q: We are seeing more of our own suppliers become EcoVadis rated. How should we leverage this? 

A: Use supplier EcoVadis Scorecards for benchmarking and reporting, and foster collaboration for innovation and improved sustainability. High performers can become strategic partners in your sustainable procurement journey. 

Q: How does EcoVadis support CSRD compliance for data reporting? 

A: EcoVadis provides CSRD-specific reports, pulling verified data and KPIs from scorecards and risk scans directly into your compliance documentation. Demo sessions and support are available for interested procurement teams. 

Watch the on-demand session to see more of your questions answered by our experts.

Nexio Projects: Your go-to EcoVadis partner 

Nexio Projects stands out as a full-service sustainability consultancy in the Netherlands, recognised among the top 10 global boutique ESG and sustainability consultancies by Verdantix. With proven expertise as an EcoVadis consultant and strategic partner, Nexio Projects helps organisations break down complexity and accelerate climate action. 

• A trusted sustainability consultancy: Over 400 clients, 1000+ projects, across 20+ countries and 25 sectors such as manufacturing, shipping, chemicals, and consumer goods. 
• ESG experts: Nexio Projects offers deep knowledge of EcoVadis certification, B Corp, and latest reporting regulations and standards. 
• EcoVadis consultant: Strategic partner since 2018, with certified B Leaders and B Corp Way endorsement since 2019. 
• Integrated offerings: Reporting implementation, strategic ESG planning, and hands-on improvement support for EcoVadis Assessment and EcoVadis Score improvement. 
• B Corp certified: Since 2019, with a global EcoVadis strategic partnership and elite track record in ESG. 
• Sustainability consultancy Netherlands: Specialising in EU and international standards, Nexio Projects delivers practical action and lasting value. 

Whether you are aiming for EcoVadis Gold, improving your sustainability supply chain management, or advancing your ESG performance, Nexio Projects is your committed partner for the journey. 

Schedule a free consultation to chat with our EcoVadis and ESG experts and discover how we can support and speed up your sustainability journey.

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References 

1. EcoVadis. (2023). 5 Step Guide to Building a Business Case for Sustainable Procurement. Available at: https://resources.ecovadis.com/whitepapers/5-step-guide-to-building-a-business-case-for-sustainable-procurement [Accessed 27 August 2025].
2. McKinsey & Company. (2022). Why ESG data matters in supply chains. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/operations/our-insights/why-esg-data-matters-in-supply-chains [Accessed 27 August 2025].
3. ESG Book GmbH. (2025). ESG Insights: Latest Trends & Analysis. Available at: https://www.esgbook.com/insights [Accessed 27 August 2025].
4. PwC. (2021). 2021 Consumer Intelligence Series survey on ESG. Available at: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/services/consulting/library/consumer-intelligence-series/consumer-and-employee-esg-expectations.html [Accessed 27 August 2025].
5. PwC. (2021). PwC Global Investor Survey 2021. Available at: https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/corporate-reporting/assets/pwc-global-investor-survey-2021.pdf [Accessed 27 August 2025].